Which sports car?

[e46m3c]

Thinking about buying a dedicated sports car. Something a bit friskier/exciting then my m3. Ideally a f430 would be the option. But 20k doesn't buy that so what are my other options?

S2000
Boxster s
997 911
Cayman s
Z4m
Tuscan
Noble?-

?

I really like a good noise and 300+ bhp and hopefully 1400kg and less and high revving.

E90 m3 v8 or m5 v10's engine in a z4m would be ideal I think

Edited by e46m3c on Monday 24th August 10:43

Edited by e46m3c on Monday 24th August 13:46

[dvshannow]

exige

[e46m3c]

I might add this car will be used for a commute.

I already have m3 race car and 550bhp m3. 911 I fancy but not sure if it's really any good? I tried a 996 and it was pants compared to stock e46 m3

[likesachange]

Not sure what you can ge to fit your criteria for 20k... A dedicated sportscar that you will commute in?? Plus you have a charged m3 I pressume for kicks..?

A new exige can be had on a 50/50 deal 25k down and then 25k in 2years... There pretty epic !

[666 SVT]

I had a TVR Tuscan as my daily driver for three years and it was the best fun I've had in any of the cars I've owned.
You have to drive it yourself too with no electronic interference which adds to the fun.

[likesachange]

Yes not a bad shout

Or a tamora, try and get one with a Tvr power rebuild and reliability will not be an issue

[rassi]

The E92 M3 or E60 M5 that you believe are ideal are not exactly less than 1400 kilos, nor is the S2000 +300 bhp?

A Cayman S seem a good shout, if you get into a fairly recent one to avoid reliability problems, and dispensing with the 1400 kilos criterion an E92 M3 is a great cruiser and performer if you need more comfort and bhp, with few and well-documented weaknesses in an otherwise bulletproof package.

[chris watton]

I used my first Tamora to commute to work for three years, never a problem. If looked after, they can be very reliable, especially with a TVR upgrade. Around 400bhp, bags of torque and only around 1060kg.

But they're not for everyone...

[LasseV]

What about somekind of Evora?

[jkh112]

e46m3c said:

I might add this car will be used for a commute.

I already have m3 race car and 550bhp m3. 911 I fancy but not sure if it's really any good? I tried a 996 and it was pants compared to stock e46 m3

Not sure why you thought a 996 was pants, but if you think that of a 996 then you are unlikely to enjoy a 997 as it is basically the same car with updated interior and more options on adjustable suspension etc.

[blueg33]

LasseV said:

What about somekind of Evora?

Tricky at £20k, doable at £30k and that's what I would recommend if the op had that much dosh

[e46m3c]

How does the cayman compare to the 911.

i guess im after something nible and more hard edged and something a bit more atmospheic sounding. The m3 soudns great, but its more race car sounds than velvet noise like a v6/v8/v10.

I have looked into tvr in the past but the build quality always put me off.

[JockySteer]

SLK/SL 55 AMG? vouching for these personally!

[kambites]

e46m3c said:

How does the cayman compare to the 911.

The balance is obviously different because of the different engine placement but overall they're more similar than not. I certainly wouldn't call either "hard edged".

[300bhp/ton]

My first thought would be TVR or a Lotus. But depends what you are really after, if it needs to be up to chores of a daily driver and you are wanting something to feel more 'exciting' than a 550hp M3....

Then I think you don't have a huge amount of choice.

An Evora would be on the list, but just out of budget.


For every day usability, pace and speed... 911 would seem an obvious choice. But you say you've already driven on.


There are these..



Which might take a bit of hunting, but should be in budget. 6 speed manual, 405hp weighs the same as a 911.

With light weight panels, titanium exhaust, sodium filled valves. C5 z06.

Lots of upgrade options too.

[BuzzBravado]

That is gorgeous. LHD tends to put a lot of people off though. I'm really hoping these RHD mustangs are going to be successful.

A Noble M12 is around 20k i think.

[blueg33]

likesachange said:

Yes not a bad shout

Or a tamora, try and get one with a Tvr power rebuild and reliability will not be an issue

Apart from electrics etc, IMO a bit risky if you need to rely on it for a daily commute, plus every time it visits a dealer it will be there for at least 2 days

[e46m3c]

to be honest. i think a big part of it is the look!

[daytona365]

''A bit friskier than an M3''?..........Some people are never satisfied !

[300bhp/ton]

e46m3c said:

to be honest. i think a big part of it is the look!

Is it the supercar look you are after or just anything that looks interesting?

These look pretty bad ass!!


2003/4 Mustang Cobra



Certainly pretty striking in the UK at any rate.

Might take a bit of hunting, but fit the budget well.

6 speed manual
IRS
DOHC 32v 4.6 V8 with a superchrger, rated at 390hp (most dyno well over 400hp) and a few bolt on mods away from 550hp.

It isn't a sports car in the traditional UK sense, but I defy anyone to drive something like this and not come away smiling.


Another US offering (simply because they offer so much bang per buck and are perfectly suited for daily use).

Pontiac Trans Am WS6. Same 5.7 V8 used in the Corvette and just as tunable.